Shield and Spear

Showed at Images 2/17/2015

In the changing political climate of South Africa a revolution is taking place as artists, musicians and designers tackle issues of politics, race and history. This newest film by director Petter Ringbom follows some of the most recognized artists in South Africa today, exploring what it means to live and work in the new democracy. Artist Brett Murray’s painted caricature of South African president Jacob Zuma results in a lawsuit and death threats. Photographer and activist Zanele Muholi’s work exposes hate crimes in the LGBT community. The Smarteez design collective creates international styles while running a free after-school program for kids. Musician Xander Ferreira of Gazelle parades on stage as a character based on an archetypal African dictator. Shield and Spear presents intimate stories about the artists, art, music, identity, race and freedom of expression in South Africa 20 years into democracy.

Director: Petter Ringbom

Runtime: 1 hour 29 minutes

Genre: Documentary

“Introducing outsiders to a creative scene seemingly far more vibrant than most of us realized, Petter Ringbom's Shield and Spear finds post-Apartheid South Africa brimming with art, music and activism.”

About

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, Images Cinema is
a nonprofit, independent movie theater presenting a wide array
of films to the Berkshires year-round. We are driven by our
love of cinema and dedicated to the exploration of film as an
art form and a source of entertainment.